This video originally contained an incorrect claim that the gimbals in the EL18 only support 100 Hz polling. This information is wrong and has been removed. There are some potential issues with these gimbals and high-speed protocols like ELRS, but the issues are not as serious as the video originally made them out to be, and could be solved with firmware updates. For more information: ua-cam.com/video/waF1uIcUVXc/v-deo.html
This is the only radio that I ever felt comfortable pinching with and as a result I've been using the original Nirvana for years. Honestly tried a bunch of other radios and the ergonomics/thinness of this radio makes it the king for anyone who hybrid pinches. Super comfortable. Awesome to see that they are bringing it back!
Actually, they upgraded the internal RF from 2A to 3 which is their latest system, and supports long range and may be able to run ELRS natively in the future ;) BTW, the trims also act as back and enter if you press them, and switch to navigation controls if you run a Lua standalone tool like betaflight or ELRS Lua
I used a lot of radios and the Nirvana has always been my favorite. I don't know what's with the bashing about the internal module since almost everyone uses a TBS or ELRS module anyway. I'm super happy they made this "upgraded" great radio. Can't wait to get the "Nirvana" back into my hands👍🏻
Nirvana is still my favorite radio.. and actually most of my whoops are flysky and I had far less radio link issues vs the FRsky versions.. Mob6 is a perfect example... I CRSF all the larger things... sooo ... Non issue. With the Mods the guys in RC Groups have sorted out (thank you Stefan!) , and EdgeTX, almost of the shortcomings have been addressed. I always said id buy another NV14 if mine has issues... Now I have a better option with CNC gimbals.... Hopefully ELRS for those whom want it internal comes soon enough. The FPV community does a good job of supporting each other when manufacturers fail.....
I have been with the Nirvana for long and also involved in the in official / non-company firmware devel as well as the HW mod that we published. There is one thing that this review should contain or point out, which has been the real weak point of the NV14: the power for the ext module. In unmodded form, the original NV14 would barely be able to run an ext module with 100mW even with batteries fully charged. One would have very heavy voltage drops when using a module practically ruining its battery lifetime. The unofficial HW mod improved this but it never became perfect. The big question though is: what about the module port and its power supply. Is it changed or still an issue. Btw: we had very decent Opentx versions for the NV14 ona separate github. The Opentx guys just refused to merge. Edgetx just did it, so the NV14 also has EdgeTX support. The internal module is AFAIK an RFM302 which may be flashable to ELRS.
The power supply problems could be addressed by using a module with XT30 plug for external battery. But it's just adding tons of bulk to the radio and ruining one of the things that makes it so desirable in the first place. I'd love to see the internal module updated to support ELRS. If it could do 250 mW ELRS or higher, that'd be really exciting.
As the dev of edgeTX showed to us, the lite module adapter has its own XT30 connector. The output voltage is still an issue, because it's below 6v again.
Have an NV14 ..LOVE IT...but the gimbals are smaller than the TX16S and Tango2...so not so precise due to less travel. However the build quality is flipping SUPERB trust me.
Voltage was only part of the problem, it couldn't deliver through amperage, so just folded back. This was supposed to have been fixed with a later revision to the NV14 mainnoard, as well as on the EL18 with an upgrade power supply subsystem, but time will tell. I know Ghost is fussy on the voltage, and will beep incessantly due to sub 5.8v but otherwise work fine. Whereas I've had the RM Ranger on both the NV14 (revised PM) and EL18, locked at one watt output for over five minutes and not a hiccup (both with arouns half flat or lower batteries). So will be interesting to see what others find.
If anyone decides to buy this look up the flush mounts for modules for it! It’s super clean and looks sweet. Think I have pics on my instagram with the extra battery mount too. Super clean super cool. Plus you can run this transmitter 1/2watts all day long with zero issues or having to charge it. I do like the burnt orange look of the new one here
I must admit, when I first got into fpv about 5 years ago flysky was my first affordable radio that would bind to multiple quads ( I've flown 50cc planes for 12 years so I was very set In my ways as when it come to transmitters as I used futaba ) but I cannot say anything bad about flysky At all! The radios had decent range for how cheap they were. they did a great job! it's great to see them getting into the more serious side of the hobby!! Thank you josh for highlighting the radios that got me into fpv!! You legend haha. But the radiomaster tx16 was a game changer. I would recommend that if you fly planes, quads and helicopters with multiple receivers this all in one transmitter for the price is all you will need as its so versatile! ( happy flying guys!!!!)
Flysky has been my go to for ground radios and I have their older joystic style transmitter for air. I have a similar background and the only thing I regrettably never got into was rc boats. Anyway I am always looking forward to what Flysky is doing. IF you ever get a truck or a buggy look in that direction first for sure.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the flysky 2A system, solid hardware, good telemwtey/system, and you could get micro rxs for quads. So I have high hopes for their new system, it seems to work quite well.
On the Nirvana you can use the right trim stick to navigate through menus and push it to enter. Pushing the left trim stick is basically the back button. Maybe this also works on the EL18. NV14 looks very similar to this.
it’s could be rainbows wrapped in gold but if it looks that ugly and ergonomically terrible I’m passing like my life depends on it. Looks like a comical pile of junk
For me, it's a pass. It sure doesn't suck, it's only that my TX16S works fine and I love it. This thing looks amazing and should be comfortable too. Total smash.
I purchased the Nirvana. I wasn't left "high and dry," I was *SCAMMED.* Underground FPV took my money and never sent the radio. I emailed them a bunch of times. For a while they said "we'll send it next week" but eventually they just stopped replying to my emails.
It really sucks how they went out. Really ripped off a lot of their customers. I remember a lot of finger pointing about who was really to blame, but in the end, the customer got shafted.
The Flysky module comment remined me I purchased a tiny whoop with Flysky receiver since I was expecting to receive a Nirvana. I suppose I should be able to use my TX16S to bind to the whoop but this is just one more reason why I'm so salty.
Exact same thing happened me, I'd to claim the money back through my bank and thankfully I got it. Eventually I got one directly from Flysky, and honestly I love the radio. It has its problems but there's just something about it that makes me never want to use another radio.
Flysky 2A goes 8 to 10k out.... This Elysium, 3A module can go 50 to 60 kilometres and uses LoRa chips I believe. And the 4 in 1 module does not support the Elysium's protocol as its not 2A, its 3A.
Fantastic review, Joshua! Thanks! 😃 It indeed looks freaking cool! If I was stupid rich I would buy it just for hanging on my wall! 😂 But, honestly... Today I wouldn't buy a radio without an internal ELRS model. Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
The look is very different, which is what I like the most about it! The price not so much. Too many other choices I'd rather try so I'm gonna have to pass. I like it tho, if anybody just wants to get me one I'd love to try it out 😁
I really miss having my Nirvana. Park hobo stole mine. I had made so many custom 3D prints for it. Like the low-profile module for the crossfire. I'd still smash, if it was a gift.
Josh, I still love my Nirvana, though my Jumper T-Lite is my go to. I know that both of these radios are not your favorite, but I still love and use them. I fly fixed wing so there's that.
I have a Nirvana, as far as the comfort aspect, I love it. I prefer it over any other radio as far as fit goes. But as you outlined there were some issues. It leaves my wrists not hurting after long days of flying.
I use crossfire on the old nirvana. This would be an upgrade to me IF the jrc port supports more power than the old one. The nirvana uses a bad transistor which does not allow more than about 1a (should be 250-500mw crsf). I love the design and feel and the software is okay. Would be nice if you could test the amp limit for this modulebay. This is the biggest downside of the nirvana and most of the nirvana community is probably interested in this spec
I have been using my nirvana for planes and FPV racing for 3-4 years. The firmware once off the ufpv one was great and is now supported by edge tx. Have had it running up to 250mw on decent 18650 without modding (but it is the ufpv version) Whilst I am glad to see it making a come back what I don't see is what makes it worth twice the price of the nirvana. Will be epic though when the edgetx guys get the internal module onto elrs. Then I probably would consider moving from my nv14 to this
Its already discontinued and you can't buy it from hobbyking anymore. Still currently available on banggood... This was a radio I really wanted back in the day. I still fly flysky receivers! The are small, inexpensive, reliable, and I had plenty of spares in the drawer but the lack of the 4 in 1 module or ELRS option is inexcusable. The price was also inexcusably high considering its limitations as well when compared to more versatile options from companies like radiomaster.
I love my Nirvana, been using it for years. I dealt with the lack of support because it fits my hands so well and I just don't like the feel of any other radio I've held. IDK if it's typical for radios to break down after a couple years but this last Nirvana only lasted two summers (maybe 800 or so flights?) Hoping this one lasts. Overall I feel this radio is underrated and I absolutely love the ergonomics, and lots of little clever features.
Maybe with a 4-1 module it would be cool but to be honest I'd probably steer myself towards the new Radiomaster boxer if anything. Now that transmitter excites me!!
Not sure if they kept this feature but you can use the trim knobs as a back button and scroll up and down. Left trim is scroll and push right trim for back button
Pushing down the left trim hat still does back, and pushing down the right one is enter. When you enter a lua script they become navigation controls. Intended to work on making it an option that you can either have trims or navigation but never got around to it, so preserved the trim functionality
Ahh ok. Guess my dyslexia kicked in on that one, been a minute since I used it as it is pretty much a paper weight due to not being able to run any modules on it with the power issues
@@flyinryanfpv Yeah, that's why this reboot is much needed... fingers crossed they've fixed all of the key issues from the original NV14. Mine doesn't suffer from the power issues as flysky had apparently fixed that in a later revision, but doesn't help all the folks with the earlier model.
Wish a company would create a controller with built-in windows OS and touch screen capable of connecting to betaflight and playing sims directly off it. Sprinkle on some cnc hall gimbals and keep the size comparable to zorro’s and bam.
I really like my Nirvana, it feels and looks so luxury. I’m definitely in the group that has no idea how to modify it, so I mostly use it to fly whoops and mini quads. Also looks super nice on my desk flying sims.
I wanted this radio since it first came out. Issues then kept me from it. I wish had a 4 in 1. More importantly a dedicated module bay. They should offer it in black. I've been flying since late 2015. This is the best looking radio (-color).
I don't like blue, but the Elysium blueish/teal looks very nice, also purple and off course the red - but a no for the rose gold. Black belongs to nirvana, should never appear again. They should've build the module separated from the main pcb, like jumper or radiomaster do. But at least, you can flash it (one way, atm) with ExpressLRS.
Don't quote me on this guys but I recall some discussion regarding the chipsets used in the new 3A flysky. I believe it may actually be compatible down the road with ELRS and in fact somebody got it running - one of the edgetx devs. I'm super excited about the simple fact that edgetx and flysky apparently more or less are collaborating on this radio and as it stands the future dev potential is massive if it follows through. Still using my Nirvanna today and it is hands down the best radio I've ever used despite it's quirks.
About breaking switches in your backpack: it comes with a cover you snap on... Just like nv14 did. And for the lanyard: it comes with a offset finger to balance it! I pre-ordered the purple one last week. I started flying with the nirvana, got it used. Then I got a flysky module that does 2 watts with the new afhds3 protocol. Since I have flysky pistol grip transmitters for cars and boats I can use that RF module as a relay station and get rediculous distance for speed runs etc. That's why all my drones got flysky receivers in them.... So I guess I'm that one guy that loves EVERYTHING about this new TX.
Nice to see the radio supported now, at that price i'm glad i still have mine. Shame the internal radio wasn't upgraded with elrs and faster polling, other wise it just seams like a re skin of the old radio.
I always wondered if holding a box radio or game conroller style radio would be ergonomically better... but I think we adapt to the shape whatever. I loved the boldness of the orginal Nivana and seeing the Elysium in this elongatated game pad style form factor still peaks interst with all the added features.. It looks wieerd and cool and functional at the same time.. Flysky makes goood radio controllers and they work..but the caviat is the receiver optiion..
Range is VERY important for me, Might be a deal breaker if I can't have that. 18 channels would be fun...but pointless without range.... The looks is something I like, I play a lot of racing simulator type games with my PlayStation and Xbox controllers...Advancing the tech and making them smaller to be more like those is awesome.
Reflex XTR Sim bought this style of radio out many-many years ago[if this supported images I could show you an Pic] Its was supposed to be able to support some unknown field flying radio link[actually I'll email it to you later] Spektrum also has a similar style for a while for the RTF indoor rc planes and Helis. They were actually OK[options by moving the sticks in different directions and pressing the sticks down--But very little range & only 4ch.
I kinda like it, like the gamepad-style radio. Stuff like editing text strings of logical switches might be a pain though. I agree that a scrollwheel is a lot more practical for that. If it came with either crossfire or ELRS internally, I might just give up my tango for this one. But I REALLY don’t want the hassle of lugging around and switching around 2 modules though.
Why can't a script be written to use the joy sticks to navigate the menu options and, if the radio has one, use a momentary switch, or one of the trims to select /back?
As someone who created UI's as part of their job, that UI leaves a lot of room for improvements. I say stick with physical buttons or develop a touch friendly UI (one with large easy to press buttons). That's the worst of both worlds. The menu system leaves a lot of room for improvements too. Personally I would like to see the basic settings used by most only included in the menu. A separate menu for advance features that beginners and people new to the hobby are unlikely to use. While on the subject of user friendliness, some feedback from switches would be nice. When angle or acro mode is switched on, can we have the current mode shown on the the display please. My memory is not the best. Without trying it, the ergonomics of those handle look clumsy to me. What is the need for batteries in the handles?
What do you think of spotify on IOS? I use it on my iphone 13 pro max and I like it, and I like to think that I have precise hands but every single day when scrubbing through a track I fail to actually hit the scrubber and so Im moving my finger and nothing is happening. It's like that scrubber is even smaller than the graphical circle, it's such a tiny target to hit. I'm not really interested in Apple Music but clearly they saw this in testing and their scrubber is easier to hit.
AFHDS3 uses Semtech 1280 RF chip as ELRS does. In theory it would be possible to flash it to ELRS. Maybe it would be cheaper to try that with FRM302 external AFHDS3 module.
If it had ELRS internally with decent output and could power an external crossfire module to at least 500mw I'd buy it... My ideal radio would be the Mambo if it had ELRS internally.
It would be amazing if we could get an edge tx app on our phones. Then hypothetically we could just connect our phone to our radio, via USB or possibly Bluetooth? After connecting, We could simply upload the parameters that we programmed on our smartphones.
@Ryan O'Keefe Eventually you won't need a screen on your radio, Certainly not a big one. Most people own a smartphone already and are comfortable with it. I personally don't have a radio with a touchscreen , but it does look more cumbersome to use than a regular smartphone. It would be a lot like an express lrs configurator on your phone Or even the Betaflight and speedy bee apps. Personally it just seems more intuitive to have an app to program everything on the radio. Lastly in theory this will cut costs As there will be no need to implement a touch screen or a screen or even buttons for programming Possibly.
@@ryanokeefe12 Having quick set profiles on the app preselected for specific quad or fixed wing type instead of having to copy it manually in the radio would be pretty convenient.
@@joshuasterling2144 This is exactly what you can do in the radio. You just copy an existing model or have multiple models already setup.. You're just moving the setup from one screen to another for no reason.
The NV-14 and Nirvana failed due to them not being able to power external modules sufficiently due to some hardware failings on the main board... They didn't think through the parallel batteries idea well enough!... Hope FlySky has fixed this as its still a parallel battery config.
There was an update around 2 years ago from flysky, that complete all the features. It was a good radio but I sold my one to someone who needed a radio.
The batteries on the NV14/Nirvana are definitely in parallel. You can hot swap the cells. The external module is powered via a step-up converter. The issue was the external bay voltage not dropping low enough to turn off the external module completely.
@@ryanokeefe12 not quite Ryan. I was on the Rcgroups thread for a few years and it was determined a while ago that they are not in parallel. It has a circuit that constantly switches to the battery with the highest voltage. If one cell is low and the other is fully charged power will not flow to the lower cell.
@@IanF-FPV You mean theres a diode that prevents reverse current flow? why would there be an an entire mcu and circuit when a single diode does exactly what you're describing? There's a single transistor that switches power from the 18650s to the step up regulator. Get yourself a multimeter and give the thing a probe and check for continuity between both battery positive poles. You'll be surprised.
Did they fix the module power issues of the nirvana is my main question. I have to externally power my tbs modules on my nirvana when I max power them especially, and they wont power off, it's actually my only issue with my current nirvana. First thing I would do with this radio is put a tbs tracer module in it and max power it and see if there are problems. For my nirvana I actually just bent the power pin for the module down, then power the modules externally through usb with a little power cube, and that works great except I have a little power cube also stuck to the bottom of my radio which adds a bit of weight.
So I’m just getting back into things but from what I understand the only difference between this and flashing my NV14 to edgeTX is the internal radio supporting AFHDS3? Which is like nothing if I should be getting an elrs module to use anyway?
I love the way it looks. But will not spend almost $300 to buy a radio with a model I won't use. I only use expresslrs. And do not want a model sticking off the back. For now I will stick with my TX16s mkII
One of EdgeTX/ELRS devs is running ExpressLRS on EL18's internar RF module. The internal AFHDS3 RF protocol uses the same HW as ExpressLRS... It's just a matter of time that you will be able to flash ELRS on the internal module xD
Every Flysky Radio is a good radio. The Nirvana has always had support and continues to. I don't do FPV so I don't need Firewire or the like. I'm strictly edf jet and my paladin or nirvana is more than adequate. Not a fair review.
I do like the look of this radio. Would have to get my hands on it to check comfort. Reading the comments and the fact no 4-1 on board , it’s a no from me . I believe they have missed a great opportunity to sell this thing in greater numbers. It’s a one off
Hey Jb I wish you told me about this I’ve had it since it first came out I got 2 one personally from warrick himself and can show you conversations before he when ghost and I’ve said this to you years ago over Facebook I’m just a camera shy person now days and maybe cause I’m still a nobody 😢 but I’m still using it today and is my edc for flying
Any chance the firmware for this would work on the NV14? I've been using that for years its comfortable to fly with but a firmware upgrade would be nice.
JB get the JR adapter and test to see if it powers the bay on or off when you select external module in EdgeTx. Also see if you can run 1 watt external modules like Crossfire and ELRS.
It does (control module bay power). I can also run RM Ranger on EL18 left it on the bench for 8-9 minutes locked to 1W wirh half flat batteries without any issue. Ghost will groupie though as it expects the module bay to be above 5.8v, so beeps every now and then.
@@pfeerick ok thanks Peter. I was wondering if they fixed that issue since the NV14. I did all the module bay switching and power mods for my old NV14. I flashed EdgeTx . I’ll pass on this radio. Not really gaining anything since I wouldn’t use afhds 3a.
My NV14 was supposed to have had revised power module also, direct from flysky some 12-18 months ago, and doesn't have issues with switching module power off or power hungry modules, but I don't know when/if they shipped that as standard. If you already have thr NV14 and have done the power mods, all you are missing is newer internal RF (which *may* in the future run ELRS), brighter LCD (noticeably so), all metal gimbals VS plastic (although I quite like the NV14s clear gimbals) and new colours. But to be honest, the NV14 (after mods) is good enough, but the EL18 will hopefully give this design the reboot it deserves.
Idk besides the color i do kind of like the idea of this one.. They atleast tried something new on the design part and looked like they tried to improve button placements and shape and a big screen more in the center.. The non 4-1 option is a deal breaker for me though...
Hi Joshua! Do you know if this version has the same problems with external modules as the original nirvana? I had the nirvana and: - it didn't turn off the module when changing to a model that doesn't use the external modules - the bay didn't fit the ghost module - the power out was too low to power a module on even 500mW Thanks mate!
The EL18 does switch off the module bay properly, and I have had it running the RM Ranger module locked at 1W for several minutes without issue (without external battery). The module still won't suit Ghost module as the Ghost module is flush rather than having a cutout in the corner. So it still hits the protrusion where the module pins are on the JR adapter.
This video originally contained an incorrect claim that the gimbals in the EL18 only support 100 Hz polling. This information is wrong and has been removed. There are some potential issues with these gimbals and high-speed protocols like ELRS, but the issues are not as serious as the video originally made them out to be, and could be solved with firmware updates. For more information: ua-cam.com/video/waF1uIcUVXc/v-deo.html
This is the only radio that I ever felt comfortable pinching with and as a result I've been using the original Nirvana for years. Honestly tried a bunch of other radios and the ergonomics/thinness of this radio makes it the king for anyone who hybrid pinches. Super comfortable. Awesome to see that they are bringing it back!
Actually, they upgraded the internal RF from 2A to 3 which is their latest system, and supports long range and may be able to run ELRS natively in the future ;) BTW, the trims also act as back and enter if you press them, and switch to navigation controls if you run a Lua standalone tool like betaflight or ELRS Lua
If it can run elrs in the future that's pretty exciting.
There is some code prepared on my computer, but it is waiting for some free time on my side.
There is one edgeTX dev, who also develops ExpressLRS, who has the Elysium AND has ExpressLRS running on it.
@@JoshuaBardwell Yeah, throw the FlySky module in the bin, and pop in a 1000w ELRS module, inside the radio, and sell a boat load!
@@km_pr not really yet. So much to do for the bit of hobby time. But a similar piece of HW works (FRM301) so it should be possible.
I used a lot of radios and the Nirvana has always been my favorite. I don't know what's with the bashing about the internal module since almost everyone uses a TBS or ELRS module anyway. I'm super happy they made this "upgraded" great radio. Can't wait to get the "Nirvana" back into my hands👍🏻
Nirvana is still my favorite radio.. and actually most of my whoops are flysky and I had far less radio link issues vs the FRsky versions.. Mob6 is a perfect example... I CRSF all the larger things... sooo ... Non issue. With the Mods the guys in RC Groups have sorted out (thank you Stefan!) , and EdgeTX, almost of the shortcomings have been addressed. I always said id buy another NV14 if mine has issues... Now I have a better option with CNC gimbals.... Hopefully ELRS for those whom want it internal comes soon enough. The FPV community does a good job of supporting each other when manufacturers fail.....
I have been with the Nirvana for long and also involved in the in official / non-company firmware devel as well as the HW mod that we published.
There is one thing that this review should contain or point out, which has been the real weak point of the NV14: the power for the ext module.
In unmodded form, the original NV14 would barely be able to run an ext module with 100mW even with batteries fully charged. One would have very heavy voltage drops when using a module practically ruining its battery lifetime. The unofficial HW mod improved this but it never became perfect. The big question though is: what about the module port and its power supply. Is it changed or still an issue.
Btw: we had very decent Opentx versions for the NV14 ona separate github. The Opentx guys just refused to merge. Edgetx just did it, so the NV14 also has EdgeTX support.
The internal module is AFAIK an RFM302 which may be flashable to ELRS.
The power supply problems could be addressed by using a module with XT30 plug for external battery. But it's just adding tons of bulk to the radio and ruining one of the things that makes it so desirable in the first place. I'd love to see the internal module updated to support ELRS. If it could do 250 mW ELRS or higher, that'd be really exciting.
As the dev of edgeTX showed to us, the lite module adapter has its own XT30 connector. The output voltage is still an issue, because it's below 6v again.
Have an NV14 ..LOVE IT...but the gimbals are smaller than the TX16S and Tango2...so not so precise due to less travel.
However the build quality is flipping SUPERB trust me.
Voltage was only part of the problem, it couldn't deliver through amperage, so just folded back. This was supposed to have been fixed with a later revision to the NV14 mainnoard, as well as on the EL18 with an upgrade power supply subsystem, but time will tell. I know Ghost is fussy on the voltage, and will beep incessantly due to sub 5.8v but otherwise work fine. Whereas I've had the RM Ranger on both the NV14 (revised PM) and EL18, locked at one watt output for over five minutes and not a hiccup (both with arouns half flat or lower batteries). So will be interesting to see what others find.
Bruh as someone who struggled with my batteries dying when flying crossfire on my N14, thank you. This makes so many things make sense lol
If anyone decides to buy this look up the flush mounts for modules for it! It’s super clean and looks sweet. Think I have pics on my instagram with the extra battery mount too. Super clean super cool. Plus you can run this transmitter 1/2watts all day long with zero issues or having to charge it. I do like the burnt orange look of the new one here
Any links to these flush mount things?
I run the flysky nirvana for the past 2 years now and I love it I’ve been waiting for this release for a while now I’m so excited
Yeah me too... I run the afhds3 Module with a 450mah 3s battery... Never had a failsafe... And being able to go up to 2 watts is just very satisfying.
I must admit, when I first got into fpv about 5 years ago flysky was my first affordable radio that would bind to multiple quads ( I've flown 50cc planes for 12 years so I was very set In my ways as when it come to transmitters as I used futaba ) but I cannot say anything bad about flysky At all! The radios had decent range for how cheap they were. they did a great job! it's great to see them getting into the more serious side of the hobby!! Thank you josh for highlighting the radios that got me into fpv!! You legend haha. But the radiomaster tx16 was a game changer. I would recommend that if you
fly planes, quads and helicopters with multiple receivers this all in one transmitter for the price is all you will need as its so versatile! ( happy flying guys!!!!)
Flysky has been my go to for ground radios and I have their older joystic style transmitter for air. I have a similar background and the only thing I regrettably never got into was rc boats. Anyway I am always looking forward to what Flysky is doing. IF you ever get a truck or a buggy look in that direction first for sure.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the flysky 2A system, solid hardware, good telemwtey/system, and you could get micro rxs for quads. So I have high hopes for their new system, it seems to work quite well.
Smash or pass?
On the Nirvana you can use the right trim stick to navigate through menus and push it to enter. Pushing the left trim stick is basically the back button. Maybe this also works on the EL18. NV14 looks very similar to this.
Pass
Pass. Price dependant
it’s could be rainbows wrapped in gold but if it looks that ugly and ergonomically terrible I’m passing like my life depends on it. Looks like a comical pile of junk
For me, it's a pass. It sure doesn't suck, it's only that my TX16S works fine and I love it. This thing looks amazing and should be comfortable too. Total smash.
I purchased the Nirvana. I wasn't left "high and dry," I was *SCAMMED.*
Underground FPV took my money and never sent the radio. I emailed them a bunch of times. For a while they said "we'll send it next week" but eventually they just stopped replying to my emails.
It really sucks how they went out. Really ripped off a lot of their customers. I remember a lot of finger pointing about who was really to blame, but in the end, the customer got shafted.
And yes, I'm salty about it.
That sucks man. I have a new Nirvana I’ll give you a smokin deal on😂 3yrs later.. lol
The Flysky module comment remined me I purchased a tiny whoop with Flysky receiver since I was expecting to receive a Nirvana. I suppose I should be able to use my TX16S to bind to the whoop but this is just one more reason why I'm so salty.
Exact same thing happened me, I'd to claim the money back through my bank and thankfully I got it. Eventually I got one directly from Flysky, and honestly I love the radio. It has its problems but there's just something about it that makes me never want to use another radio.
I’m still using one of the first 20 test sample nv14’s ufpv sent out and love it to this day on its original firmware…
I dodged the Nirvana bullet, but fell head first into "The best radio since sliced bread" train, the T-16 Pro.
At the time it came out, the t16 was pretty amazing.
I still fly my nirvana! Whit the sloppy gimbals... so use to them so i can probably newer change.
But i love this thing.
Loved Nirvana. Abolutely adore the purple version of this. Getting this next paycheck
I got mine from hobbymate... With a 10% new customer discount I paid 250 bucks for the purple one. Free shipping!
I've had the nv14 for the last 3 years it's been great
Flysky 2A goes 8 to 10k out.... This Elysium, 3A module can go 50 to 60 kilometres and uses LoRa chips I believe. And the 4 in 1 module does not support the Elysium's protocol as its not 2A, its 3A.
I almost bought this in 2018. It was supposed to be the pro version of a flysky i6, the next version of that TX.
Fantastic review, Joshua! Thanks! 😃
It indeed looks freaking cool! If I was stupid rich I would buy it just for hanging on my wall! 😂
But, honestly... Today I wouldn't buy a radio without an internal ELRS model.
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
The look is very different, which is what I like the most about it! The price not so much. Too many other choices I'd rather try so I'm gonna have to pass. I like it tho, if anybody just wants to get me one I'd love to try it out 😁
I really miss having my Nirvana. Park hobo stole mine. I had made so many custom 3D prints for it. Like the low-profile module for the crossfire. I'd still smash, if it was a gift.
Josh, I still love my Nirvana, though my Jumper T-Lite is my go to. I know that both of these radios are not your favorite, but I still love and use them. I fly fixed wing so there's that.
I have a Nirvana, as far as the comfort aspect, I love it. I prefer it over any other radio as far as fit goes. But as you outlined there were some issues. It leaves my wrists not hurting after long days of flying.
I use crossfire on the old nirvana. This would be an upgrade to me IF the jrc port supports more power than the old one. The nirvana uses a bad transistor which does not allow more than about 1a (should be 250-500mw crsf). I love the design and feel and the software is okay. Would be nice if you could test the amp limit for this modulebay. This is the biggest downside of the nirvana and most of the nirvana community is probably interested in this spec
Yes, same, need to know if the module bay power is fixed on this radio.
I have been using my nirvana for planes and FPV racing for 3-4 years. The firmware once off the ufpv one was great and is now supported by edge tx. Have had it running up to 250mw on decent 18650 without modding (but it is the ufpv version)
Whilst I am glad to see it making a come back what I don't see is what makes it worth twice the price of the nirvana.
Will be epic though when the edgetx guys get the internal module onto elrs. Then I probably would consider moving from my nv14 to this
Its already discontinued and you can't buy it from hobbyking anymore. Still currently available on banggood... This was a radio I really wanted back in the day. I still fly flysky receivers! The are small, inexpensive, reliable, and I had plenty of spares in the drawer but the lack of the 4 in 1 module or ELRS option is inexcusable. The price was also inexcusably high considering its limitations as well when compared to more versatile options from companies like radiomaster.
I love my Nirvana, been using it for years. I dealt with the lack of support because it fits my hands so well and I just don't like the feel of any other radio I've held. IDK if it's typical for radios to break down after a couple years but this last Nirvana only lasted two summers (maybe 800 or so flights?) Hoping this one lasts.
Overall I feel this radio is underrated and I absolutely love the ergonomics, and lots of little clever features.
Ton of 3D upgrades for this radio
I heard they tried throwing all the original radios into the woods but they kept flying back
Maybe with a 4-1 module it would be cool but to be honest I'd probably steer myself towards the new Radiomaster boxer if anything. Now that transmitter excites me!!
Not sure if they kept this feature but you can use the trim knobs as a back button and scroll up and down. Left trim is scroll and push right trim for back button
Pushing down the left trim hat still does back, and pushing down the right one is enter. When you enter a lua script they become navigation controls. Intended to work on making it an option that you can either have trims or navigation but never got around to it, so preserved the trim functionality
Ahh ok. Guess my dyslexia kicked in on that one, been a minute since I used it as it is pretty much a paper weight due to not being able to run any modules on it with the power issues
@@flyinryanfpv Yeah, that's why this reboot is much needed... fingers crossed they've fixed all of the key issues from the original NV14. Mine doesn't suffer from the power issues as flysky had apparently fixed that in a later revision, but doesn't help all the folks with the earlier model.
Wish a company would create a controller with built-in windows OS and touch screen capable of connecting to betaflight and playing sims directly off it. Sprinkle on some cnc hall gimbals and keep the size comparable to zorro’s and bam.
I really like my Nirvana, it feels and looks so luxury.
I’m definitely in the group that has no idea how to modify it, so I mostly use it to fly whoops and mini quads.
Also looks super nice on my desk flying sims.
I always wanted one. I finally got one like 3 months ago. Then this one just came out lol.
Seeing only the first few seconds playing after the thumbnail was all i needed to like the review ^^
I wanted this radio since it first came out. Issues then kept me from it. I wish had a 4 in 1. More importantly a dedicated module bay. They should offer it in black. I've been flying since late 2015. This is the best looking radio (-color).
I don't like blue, but the Elysium blueish/teal looks very nice, also purple and off course the red - but a no for the rose gold. Black belongs to nirvana, should never appear again.
They should've build the module separated from the main pcb, like jumper or radiomaster do. But at least, you can flash it (one way, atm) with ExpressLRS.
@@km_pr why would you run a separate module when you can have it internally.
Plus you can still add a module to the back of the radio if needed.
The original NV14 is still the best feeling radio I have ever tried
I loved mine But sold it with a quad I build to buy the Tango 2 ... Great to see it back
Okay. I want one for Christmas! 🎄
I still have my old nirvana sitting in a box... this is cool
I still own the nv14, I think gonna pick up.
Joystick style? 🤣 Love you Joshua!
Don't quote me on this guys but I recall some discussion regarding the chipsets used in the new 3A flysky. I believe it may actually be compatible down the road with ELRS and in fact somebody got it running - one of the edgetx devs. I'm super excited about the simple fact that edgetx and flysky apparently more or less are collaborating on this radio and as it stands the future dev potential is massive if it follows through. Still using my Nirvanna today and it is hands down the best radio I've ever used despite it's quirks.
About breaking switches in your backpack: it comes with a cover you snap on... Just like nv14 did. And for the lanyard: it comes with a offset finger to balance it!
I pre-ordered the purple one last week. I started flying with the nirvana, got it used. Then I got a flysky module that does 2 watts with the new afhds3 protocol. Since I have flysky pistol grip transmitters for cars and boats I can use that RF module as a relay station and get rediculous distance for speed runs etc. That's why all my drones got flysky receivers in them.... So I guess I'm that one guy that loves EVERYTHING about this new TX.
Nice to see the radio supported now, at that price i'm glad i still have mine. Shame the internal radio wasn't upgraded with elrs and faster polling, other wise it just seams like a re skin of the old radio.
Skip to 13:31 and you learn all you need to know about this radio.
I always wondered if holding a box radio or game conroller style radio would be ergonomically better... but I think we adapt to the shape whatever. I loved the boldness of the orginal Nivana and seeing the Elysium in this elongatated game pad style form factor still peaks interst with all the added features.. It looks wieerd and cool and functional at the same time.. Flysky makes goood radio controllers and they work..but the caviat is the receiver optiion..
Nirvana has the same boot-loader button too
Range is VERY important for me, Might be a deal breaker if I can't have that. 18 channels would be fun...but pointless without range....
The looks is something I like, I play a lot of racing simulator type games with my PlayStation and Xbox controllers...Advancing the tech and making them smaller to be more like those is awesome.
Now you got my attention again! I’m back !
Reflex XTR Sim bought this style of radio out many-many years ago[if this supported images I could show you an Pic]
Its was supposed to be able to support some unknown field flying radio link[actually I'll email it to you later]
Spektrum also has a similar style for a while for the RTF indoor rc planes and Helis.
They were actually OK[options by moving the sticks in different directions and pressing the sticks down--But very little range & only 4ch.
I'd kinda like to try it with my RC cars.
Super nice t-shirt!! Nice video to.
JB, let's see you fly with this radio! Stock, built in module, Ok? ;) What? You don't have a FlySky quad? Neither do any of us! 😫👎
I kinda like it, like the gamepad-style radio. Stuff like editing text strings of logical switches might be a pain though. I agree that a scrollwheel is a lot more practical for that.
If it came with either crossfire or ELRS internally, I might just give up my tango for this one. But I REALLY don’t want the hassle of lugging around and switching around 2 modules though.
I still use mine Nirvana . It was sooo expensive how could I not. I wish I could find more videos on it though 👍
Why can't a script be written to use the joy sticks to navigate the menu options and, if the radio has one, use a momentary switch, or one of the trims to select /back?
As someone who created UI's as part of their job, that UI leaves a lot of room for improvements.
I say stick with physical buttons or develop a touch friendly UI (one with large easy to press buttons).
That's the worst of both worlds.
The menu system leaves a lot of room for improvements too. Personally I would like to see the basic settings used by most only included in the menu.
A separate menu for advance features that beginners and people new to the hobby are unlikely to use.
While on the subject of user friendliness, some feedback from switches would be nice.
When angle or acro mode is switched on, can we have the current mode shown on the the display please. My memory is not the best.
Without trying it, the ergonomics of those handle look clumsy to me. What is the need for batteries in the handles?
What do you think of spotify on IOS? I use it on my iphone 13 pro max and I like it, and I like to think that I have precise hands but every single day when scrubbing through a track I fail to actually hit the scrubber and so Im moving my finger and nothing is happening. It's like that scrubber is even smaller than the graphical circle, it's such a tiny target to hit.
I'm not really interested in Apple Music but clearly they saw this in testing and their scrubber is easier to hit.
AFHDS3 uses Semtech 1280 RF chip as ELRS does. In theory it would be possible to flash it to ELRS. Maybe it would be cheaper to try that with FRM302 external AFHDS3 module.
That would be really exciting.
If it had ELRS internally with decent output and could power an external crossfire module to at least 500mw I'd buy it... My ideal radio would be the Mambo if it had ELRS internally.
UndergroundFPV indeed went underground 😅🤣
It would be amazing if we could get an edge tx app on our phones. Then hypothetically we could just connect our phone to our radio, via USB or possibly Bluetooth? After connecting, We could simply upload the parameters that we programmed on our smartphones.
I could see some sort of Bluetooth app. It would make a great continuity tool and a quick way to setup a new transmission channel.
So use a touchscreen on your phone to avoid using a touchscreen on the radio?
What is the advantage here?
@Ryan O'Keefe Eventually you won't need a screen on your radio, Certainly not a big one. Most people own a smartphone already and are comfortable with it. I personally don't have a radio with a touchscreen , but it does look more cumbersome to use than a regular smartphone. It would be a lot like an express lrs configurator on your phone Or even the Betaflight and speedy bee apps. Personally it just seems more intuitive to have an app to program everything on the radio. Lastly in theory this will cut costs As there will be no need to implement a touch screen or a screen or even buttons for programming Possibly.
@@ryanokeefe12 Having quick set profiles on the app preselected for specific quad or fixed wing type instead of having to copy it manually in the radio would be pretty convenient.
@@joshuasterling2144 This is exactly what you can do in the radio. You just copy an existing model or have multiple models already setup.. You're just moving the setup from one screen to another for no reason.
Great Content
The NV-14 and Nirvana failed due to them not being able to power external modules sufficiently due to some hardware failings on the main board... They didn't think through the parallel batteries idea well enough!... Hope FlySky has fixed this as its still a parallel battery config.
Knoxville, Tennesse represent!!!!!
There was an update around 2 years ago from flysky, that complete all the features. It was a good radio but I sold my one to someone who needed a radio.
JB the NV14 doesn’t have the batteries in parallel. It has a circuit that always powers the radio with the battery with the highest voltage.
The batteries on the NV14/Nirvana are definitely in parallel. You can hot swap the cells. The external module is powered via a step-up converter.
The issue was the external bay voltage not dropping low enough to turn off the external module completely.
@@ryanokeefe12 not quite Ryan. I was on the Rcgroups thread for a few years and it was determined a while ago that they are not in parallel. It has a circuit that constantly switches to the battery with the highest voltage. If one cell is low and the other is fully charged power will not flow to the lower cell.
@@IanF-FPV You mean theres a diode that prevents reverse current flow? why would there be an an entire mcu and circuit when a single diode does exactly what you're describing?
There's a single transistor that switches power from the 18650s to the step up regulator.
Get yourself a multimeter and give the thing a probe and check for continuity between both battery positive poles.
You'll be surprised.
I bought it and I love it
I'd buy with a multiprotocol chip. Maybe v3?
Did they fix the module power issues of the nirvana is my main question. I have to externally power my tbs modules on my nirvana when I max power them especially, and they wont power off, it's actually my only issue with my current nirvana. First thing I would do with this radio is put a tbs tracer module in it and max power it and see if there are problems. For my nirvana I actually just bent the power pin for the module down, then power the modules externally through usb with a little power cube, and that works great except I have a little power cube also stuck to the bottom of my radio which adds a bit of weight.
Still running the NV14 here
So I’m just getting back into things but from what I understand the only difference between this and flashing my NV14 to edgeTX is the internal radio supporting AFHDS3? Which is like nothing if I should be getting an elrs module to use anyway?
I love the way it looks. But will not spend almost $300 to buy a radio with a model I won't use. I only use expresslrs. And do not want a model sticking off the back. For now I will stick with my TX16s mkII
One of EdgeTX/ELRS devs is running ExpressLRS on EL18's internar RF module.
The internal AFHDS3 RF protocol uses the same HW as ExpressLRS...
It's just a matter of time that you will be able to flash ELRS on the internal module xD
I freaking love this radio! I would buy it if I didn't have a Tango 2!
That's one of the coolest controller I have seen 😍😍
I was almost tempted to buy a Nirvana back in the day, LOL.
Interesting video. Now post the link for buy the RATM shirt please.
I thought trying one might be fun until I saw the price $279? You've got to be kidding me.
I ran my nirvana with crossfire and never had a problem ")
Every Flysky Radio is a good radio. The Nirvana has always had support and continues to. I don't do FPV so I don't need Firewire or the like. I'm strictly edf jet and my paladin or nirvana is more than adequate.
Not a fair review.
I do like the look of this radio. Would have to get my hands on it to check comfort. Reading the comments and the fact no 4-1 on board , it’s a no from me . I believe they have missed a great opportunity to sell this thing in greater numbers. It’s a one off
You can add any module you like.
@@ryanokeefe12 , agreed but turns it into an ugly lump as JB mentioned
Hey Jb I wish you told me about this I’ve had it since it first came out I got 2 one personally from warrick himself and can show you conversations before he when ghost and I’ve said this to you years ago over Facebook I’m just a camera shy person now days and maybe cause I’m still a nobody 😢 but I’m still using it today and is my edc for flying
I still use this, I preorder it and it's still amazing 4 years later
Well, this radio comes with Edgetx support, and tango does not? 😉
If I ever want to pretend to be a power ranger on the flight line I know what radio to get.
Flush mounts on thingiverse just type in module mounts for flysky nirvana
The most expensive radio I have ever found in online shop malaysia is.....FLYSKY👍😁
Any chance the firmware for this would work on the NV14? I've been using that for years its comfortable to fly with but a firmware upgrade would be nice.
It's over priced but I love my Nirvana but hate the protocol I just use the Jr bay
Great Free radio. Looks cool.
Can you please do a flight video with this thing haha
JB get the JR adapter and test to see if it powers the bay on or off when you select external module in EdgeTx. Also see if you can run 1 watt external modules like Crossfire and ELRS.
It does (control module bay power). I can also run RM Ranger on EL18 left it on the bench for 8-9 minutes locked to 1W wirh half flat batteries without any issue. Ghost will groupie though as it expects the module bay to be above 5.8v, so beeps every now and then.
@@pfeerick ok thanks Peter. I was wondering if they fixed that issue since the NV14. I did all the module bay switching and power mods for my old NV14. I flashed EdgeTx . I’ll pass on this radio. Not really gaining anything since I wouldn’t use afhds 3a.
My NV14 was supposed to have had revised power module also, direct from flysky some 12-18 months ago, and doesn't have issues with switching module power off or power hungry modules, but I don't know when/if they shipped that as standard. If you already have thr NV14 and have done the power mods, all you are missing is newer internal RF (which *may* in the future run ELRS), brighter LCD (noticeably so), all metal gimbals VS plastic (although I quite like the NV14s clear gimbals) and new colours. But to be honest, the NV14 (after mods) is good enough, but the EL18 will hopefully give this design the reboot it deserves.
I think it looks like a futuristic radio from 20-30 years ago. Plus it’s nothing ground braking
Idk besides the color i do kind of like the idea of this one.. They atleast tried something new on the design part and looked like they tried to improve button placements and shape and a big screen more in the center.. The non 4-1 option is a deal breaker for me though...
I run flysky rx’s they are great I got my son the old cheap flysky radio but that’s about it 😂
Pass but a built in ELRS would've been smash!
I love my nv14
I get about 1.5 Miles on my flysky Rx
But did they fix the power supply to the Jr bay?
i have a Underground FPV Nirvana, still love it, but like you said its in my closet. guiess its time to bring it out again :"D
Hi Joshua! Do you know if this version has the same problems with external modules as the original nirvana?
I had the nirvana and:
- it didn't turn off the module when changing to a model that doesn't use the external modules
- the bay didn't fit the ghost module
- the power out was too low to power a module on even 500mW
Thanks mate!
Since I don't have the external module bay, I haven't been able to test this.
The EL18 does switch off the module bay properly, and I have had it running the RM Ranger module locked at 1W for several minutes without issue (without external battery). The module still won't suit Ghost module as the Ghost module is flush rather than having a cutout in the corner. So it still hits the protrusion where the module pins are on the JR adapter.
I did NOT have "Return of the Nirvana" on my 2022 bingo card...